Vikki Zimmer, the wife of Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, passed away Thursday in Cincinnati, according to a statement released Friday morning by the team.

“We are stunned and saddened to learn of Vikki’s passing,” said Bengals president Mike Brown. “She was a warm and popular person in the Bengals family, and our immense respect and affection for Mike makes this especially hard. Our hearts go out to Mike and his family.”

The Zimmers were married for 27 years, with three children. Vikki Zimmer was born in Layton, Utah. She and Mike met during his coaching tenure (1981-88) at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

“Mike is part of our Bengals family, and we’ll support him in every way we can,” said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis. “We will dearly miss Vikki. She was a friend to all of us, and a big supporter of Mike’s players. Her thoughtfulness to them in so many ways will also be greatly missed.”

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Mike Zimmer, a 10-year defensive coordinator in the NFL, is in his second season with the Bengals.